John Deere’s prototype battery-electric 244 X-Tier compact wheel loader is designed for customers looking to benefit from an E-Power machine in a variety of material handling applications, the company says.
“It has all the great features of our diesel version of the 244, just with the added benefits of a fully electric system,” said Greg Bauer, John Deere electrification ecosystem product manager.
Bauer said Deere intends to deliver the same or better performance as the conventional 244 P-tier machine with less maintenance, lower noise, and zero tailpipe emissions. “We are working closely with our customers to define requirements and capabilities of the 244 X-Tier.”
The 244 X-Tier loader charges like an automotive EV. It has both Level 2 and Level 3 charging ports on it.
“We're still working through what that right amount of energy is to have on board to ensure that customers can get through a full day's worth of work without charging," Bauer said, noting that it's being actively tested.
The 244 X-Tier, first unveiled at ConExpo 2023, has an electric drive providing power to the wheels and then maintains the standard hydraulic flow to drive the bucket and other systems.
“Part of the benefits of the E-Power machines is the quietness,” Bauer said. “You gain the efficiency of having the ability to really communicate with the crew on the ground, as well as a better environment for the operator to work in.”
